Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent, depending on your entry point
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
More than 9,500 new jobs are expected to be created for Health and Welfare Services Managers by 2026.* Help meet this demand and open the door to senior roles in health with Deakin’s Master of Health Management. You will build valuable skills in leadership, resourcing and program management, enabling you to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to healthier communities.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career in the fast-growing health and human services sector?
Whether you see yourself managing a clinic or hospital, leading programs promoting mental wellbeing, or shaping policy at a government level, the Master of Health Management will prepare you to take the next step in your career in health. Alternatively, if you are working in a non-healthcare related sector this course will enable you to make a smooth career shift into health management.
As a graduate of the Master of Health Management, you will be empowered to become a leading voice in the health sector – which is Australia’s fastest growing* and one of the most well-funded.^ You will not only learn how to apply business and management skills to a health context, but also how to take a patient and community focussed approach to healthcare. Gain a practical understanding of the dynamic realities of health management and develop core skills in:
- leadership and strategic planning
- health needs assessment and evaluation
- healthcare planning and monitoring
- resource and project management
- communication and negotiation.
Tailor the course to your individual career goals by selecting an elective from one of six specialisations, including public health, health economics, business administration, disability and inclusion, sustainability in healthcare and research. You will also be able to gain real-world experience while you study, with options to undertake a work-integrated learning elective or to join an overseas study tour.
Our work-integrated learning elective will enable you to gain 150 hours of valuable industry experience. This can be an agency-based work placement with one of our many industry partners, or agency-sponsored work based at the Deakin Freelancing Hub. You’ll consolidate your theoretical knowledge in a work setting and will build your professional network by working alongside influential figures in the health sector.
On top of that, you can gain a global perspective of leading management practices by joining an overseas study tour. Gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural health approaches, by connecting with and learning from policy makers, health and human services workers, educators and health agencies in the host country.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Outlook to 2026
^Australian Government, Budget Strategy and Outlook: Budget Paper No. 1: 2020–21, Statement 6: Expenses and Net Capital Investment, p. 6-49 and Australian Government, Final Budget Outcome 2019-20, p. 12.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Health Management
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H756
- CRICOS code?
- 114205F Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Health Management students must successfully pass 16 credit points.
The Master of Health Management is typically 12 or 16-credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) - your professional experience, previous qualifications and meeting entry requirements.
For students completing the 16 credit points, the course comprises 10 core units (these are compulsory) and 6 Specialisation units (you can choose which ones to study according to the prescribed units in each of the Specialisations in the course structure). All units except Major Research Project units are equal to 1 credit point.
For students completing the 12 credit points, the course comprises 10 core units (these are compulsory) and 2 credit points of elective units (taken from the list of specialisation units). Students completing the 12 credit point course will not complete a Specialisation. Students completing the 12 credit point course may be eligible for further RPL and can apply on a case-by-case basis.
All commencing Faculty of Health course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
#International Students are encourage to complete on campus offerings of units wherever available.
Core units
All students must complete the following core units and one zero credit point unit
Specialisations*
The Master of Health Management has six Specialisations: Public Health, Health Economics, Business Administration, Disability and Inclusion, Sustainability in Healthcare and Research. Students must choose one of the following Specialisations, in addition to the ten core units.
*Students who are eligible for the 12 credit point entry pathway will not complete a Specialisation, instead must choose two credit points of units selected from any of the specialisations below, in addition to the ten core units.
Public Health Specialisation
Plus two units from:
* Limited places in this unit are allocated based on an interview process and academic merit.
Health Economics Specialisation
Plus three units from:
Business Administration Specialisation
Plus one unit from:
Plus two units from:
Disability and Inclusion Specialisation
Plus two units from:
# Note these units are only available online- International students intending to pursue this specialisation please ensure all other core units are complete on campus.
Sustainability in Healthcare Specialisation
Plus one unit from:
Research Specialisation^
^Students choosing this option must obtain approval from the Course Director and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 or more.
Note International on-campus students who commence in Trimester 2 or Trimester 3 intakes pursuing the Major Project stream are required to enrol into Trimester 3 of their second year in order to complete the course within their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) course duration. Please refer to course maps.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2024 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2024 should refer to previous online Handbooks or consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
Workload
In the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Work experience
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission of credit and complete your course in 1.5 years full-time (2 years part-time).
Academic requirements
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet all of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related discipline^
- at least two years full time (or part-time equivalent) of relevant work experience
^Related disciplines - include Nursing, Allied Health
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis, learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Careers
Career outcomes
The healthcare sector is projected to be Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing sector over the next five years.* With a Master of Health Management, you will have an incredibly important role to play in managing the new projects, services and jobs that emerge from this growth.
Your specialised skills combined with your practical experience will prepare you for management and leadership roles across a variety of areas including:
- public health departments
- hospital management
- nursing home management
- clinic management
- medical practices
- mental health organisations
- community health centres
- rehabilitation centres
- skilled nursing facilities
- healthcare associations
- welfare and human service delivery organisations
- policy roles within government
- major healthcare infrastructure projects
Recent graduates have gone on to work in international agencies with a presence in public health, divisions of general practice, health administration departments, hospitals and associated networks.
* 2021 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia
Professional recognition
Deakin's Master of Health Management is now accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). As a graduate, you may apply for membership with the ACHSM. ACHSM is the peak body for health managers in the Asia Pacific, their accreditation not only ensures quality and industry relevance, but also enhances graduate employability and networking opportunities. The accreditations and professional recognition indicate the industry’s appreciation of the quality and relevance of the program to industry needs.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a critical and advanced knowledge in the area of health and human services management including research and current professional practices in the areas of:
|
| Communication | Communicate effectively with a range of individuals and groups, using a variety of modes and methods in a health and human service context. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use digital technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate research to address complex health and human service management issues. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate and synthesise complex information, problems, ideas, concepts and theories within a health and human services context. |
| Problem solving | Apply creative strategies to address complex and ill-defined health and human services management problems. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate critically reflective self-management with relevant workloads, commitments and timeframes while displaying a commitment to ethical health and human services management practice and lifelong learning. |
| Teamwork | Interact collaboratively and constructively with a diverse range of people across multiple teams and contexts to achieve targeted health and human services management outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate a critical awareness and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political issues in health and human service management contexts. |